If a true GM Performance "Rocket", it will be fine. That was Oldsmobile's "version" (thus the name "Rocket") of the 400SB, raising the cam and using the BBC timing set. The tall deck allows for longer connecting rods, a "must" for high RPM durability. Several years ago, we built an 1,800HP blown/alcohol 434 using the Rocket block and "splay valve" heads. 9,500 RPM, lived fine, went 6.60s in a LWD.

thanks guys i am not familiar with the rocket blocks at all
i know it needs a special oil pan since the oil pan rails are spread, now i just need to figure out the cost of assembling it versus getting a little m block and see how much cost difference there is

I already did something similar with a bare casting Bowtie 4.3 block.I can tell you unless you have a machine shop your never going to get a bare casting completed as cheaply as one that is already done. And my point of the link is those do come in various models and costs accordingly.

For those who don't remember, Oldsmobile heavily sponsored drag racers in the late 1980s. There were MANY Olds-bodied Super Stocker Cutlass Calais and Ciera cars with F.J. Smith RWD conversions using "corporate" motors. Olds designed the Rocket Block to fix many stock SBC shortcomings (as they did with the BBC in the DRCE motors). The "rocket block" nomenclature comes from the fact that there was an Olds rocket logo cast into the side of the block. It was never used for Pro Stock because the Pro Stock engines were 500 cu in by then, thus the use of the DRCE in that class.

There is no comparison between Rocket and Little M. Little M is a very good block, made as a "replacement" block for the 400, only "tough". Rocket is a RACE block. Yes, ProStock Truck is where it was most widely used, IIRC. Virtually everything for Rocket is either custom made or hard to find. That's the "price" of a true race engine. Even a Chevy. Many big block components "fit", as I recall. A custom crank is needed to use the BBC timing set. There's probably some sort of sleeve assembly to make it work if not a "blown" application.

So, if you're looking for the least expensive way to make "big" power and "live", Rocket is probably not for you. If you want the ULTIMATE in SBC technology and the most "bang", regardless of "buck", Rocket is the way to go.

Yeah-the biggest bang for your buck is related to how much he wants to spend. So getting right to the core of the topic,how much go you want to spend??. Trying to keep up with corporate sponsorship money is tough on your own dime.

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